Cistanche

Cistanche

　　Cistanche is warm in nature and sweet-salty in flavor. It has the functions of nourishing kidney yang, enriching essence and marrow, replenishing vital essence and blood, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and delaying aging. It is considered a premium tonic. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* once recorded: “Cistanche nourishes the Life Gate, invigorates kidney qi, and replenishes vital essence and blood... It is a balanced tonic—warm but not hot, nourishing but not excessive, warming but not drying, lubricating but not laxative, hence its name ‘relaxed’ (从容)...” It ranks second only to ginseng in anti-aging and life-prolonging effects, earning it the reputation of “desert ginseng.” Due to its remarkable efficacy in nourishing kidney yang, it is also referred to as the “plant Viagra.”

　　The unique geographical environment and climatic conditions here produce Cistanche that is large, thick-fleshed, and sweet in taste, earning it the title “desert ginseng.” The dried fleshy stems of Cistanche have high medicinal value—they are sweet in flavor and warm in nature, with functions such as nourishing kidney yin, enriching vital essence and blood, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. They are effective in treating conditions like female infertility and weakness in the lower back and knees. Mainly distributed in the Gobi region of Urad Rear Banner, around 50,000 kilograms are sold externally each year, of which 20,000 kilograms are exported. (Bayannur)